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Virat Kohli Leaps Past 'Gabbar' To Top India's Elite Champions Trophy Record

Soumyajit Dutta

Virat Kohli vs Australia (Source: AP Photos)Virat Kohli vs Australia (Source: AP Photos)

India is battling it out against Australia in a high-stakes semi-final clash in the Champions Trophy and Virat Kohli scripted history by becoming India's highest run-scorer in the tournament's history. As India chases Australia's target of 265, Kohli's composed innings not only steadied the ship but also saw him surpass Shikhar Dhawan's tally of 701 runs in the Champions Trophy. 

Virat Kohli's current total stands at 702* runs from 17 matches, overtaking Dhawan's record achieved in just 10 matches. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill fell early, leaving India in a tricky situation at 43/2. However, Kohli's masterclass in this match showcased his unmatched ability to anchor the innings. 

Player
Runs
Matches
Virat Kohli702*17
Shikhar Dhawan70110
Sourav Ganguly66513
Rahul Dravid62719
Rohit Sharma58514

Table - Most Runs in Champions Trophy for India

Virat Kohli Anchors With Frequent Fireworks

Batting alongside Shreyas Iyer, Kohli kept the scoreboard ticking with singles and occasional boundaries, denying Australia any further breakthroughs. His ability to rotate strike effortlessly under pressure has been crucial in India's chase.

At the time of writing, India stands at 134/2 in 26 overs. Australia's bowlers, including Ben Dwarshuis and Cooper Connolly, have tried to tighten the screws, but Kohli's precise footwork and timing have kept India on course. 

Connolly, who earlier trapped Rohit LBW, has been economical, but Adam Zampa and Tanveer Sangha have struggled to find consistency. The partnership between Kohli and Iyer has already crossed the 90-run mark, providing India a strong platform to inch closer to the target.

Australia Post Modest Total Against India

Australia's innings, earlier in the day, saw them being bowled out for 264 in 49.3 overs, with Alex Carey top-scoring with a brisk 61 off 57 balls. Mohammed Shami's 3-wicket haul, supported by Jadeja and Chakravarthy, restricted Australia from posting a bigger total. 

As the chase progresses, much depends on Kohli's ability to anchor the innings and guide India to a potential final spot in the Champions Trophy.